Breast Implant Removal
in Scottsdale, AZ
At Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, we understand that the reasons for considering breast implant removal (explant surgery) are deeply personal. Whether your implants no longer fit your goals, your body, or your lifestyle, Dr. Joseph Berardi provides compassionate care at every step – helping you feel at home in your body again with results that reflect your unique vision.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure that removes previously placed breast implants. For some women, this simply means taking implants out; for others, it involves additional steps to reshape the breast and restore a natural, comfortable appearance.
The decision to remove implants is deeply personal. Some women choose explant surgery for medical reasons like implant rupture or capsular contracture, others for aesthetic preferences, and many for a combination of both. Dr. Berardi approaches every explant procedure with surgical precision and a genuine understanding of how meaningful this choice can be.
Types of Explant Procedures
The right approach depends on your reasons for removal, the condition of your implants and tissue, and your desired results.
Simple Implant Removal
The implants are removed without removing the surrounding scar tissue capsule. This is often appropriate when the capsule is healthy and no complications are present.
Total Capsulectomy
This technique removes the implant along with the entire scar tissue capsule. It is often recommended for ruptured implants, capsular contracture, or concerns about breast implant illness, ensuring all foreign material and affected tissue are removed.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
An en bloc capsulectomy is a specific type of total capsulectomy where the implant and capsule are removed as a single, intact unit to minimize potential spillage of implant contents. This is preferred when possible.
Dr. Berardi will recommend the most appropriate technique after a careful in-person assessment.
Preparation for Breast
Implant Removal
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Berardi will review your medical history, discuss your motivations, assess your current breast condition, and listen to your goals. He’ll explain your surgical options, including capsulectomy techniques and combined procedures.
Before Your Surgery
Once your plan is finalized, you’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include adjusting medications, undergoing lab tests, and arranging for your recovery. Because a precise plan
can only be created after an in-person assessment, this stage is tailored to you.
How Is the Surgery Performed?
1. Anesthesia
Breast implant removal at Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure you are fully comfortable and completely asleep throughout the procedure. Your safety and comfort are closely monitored by the surgical and anesthesia teams at every stage.
2. Incision Placement
Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Berardi carefully makes incisions, most often along your existing breast augmentation scars. This approach helps minimize additional scarring and allows access to the implant and surrounding capsule.
3. Implant Removal
The implants are then gently and precisely removed. The technique used depends on your surgical plan and may involve simple removal or removal along with surrounding scar tissue if needed for medical or aesthetic reasons.
4. Capsule Management
If indicated, the scar tissue capsule around the implant is also addressed during surgery. This may involve partial or total removal of the capsule to support optimal healing and achieve the desired outcome.
5. Additional Procedures (If Needed)
In some cases, complementary procedures such as a breast lift may be performed during the same surgery. This helps restore shape, position, and a more natural breast contour after implant removal.
6. Closing the Incisions
After all necessary steps are completed, the incisions are meticulously closed using layered suturing techniques to support proper healing and minimize scarring. Dressings are applied, and you are taken to recovery for close postoperative monitoring.
Combined Procedures
After implants are removed, breast tissue may appear looser or less full. Many women combine explant surgery with additional procedures to refine their results.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift reshapes and elevates the remaining natural breast tissue for a firmer, more youthful contour – without adding implants.
Fat Transfer
For those seeking naturally restored volume, fat is harvested via liposuction from another area (e.g., abdomen, flanks), purified, and injected to add subtle fullness and improve shape.
Implant Replacement
Some women choose to replace old implants with new ones during the same procedure – updating size, shape, or type, or correcting issues like bottoming out or rippling.
Your Recovery Journey
Recovery is a gradual process, and Dr. Berardi and his team are with you every step of the way.
The First Week
Rest is essential. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. A compression garment supports the breasts and helps reduce swelling.
Weekly Follow-Ups
Dr. Berardi monitors your progress with follow-up visits typically scheduled about once a week. Most patients return to light, non-strenuous activities within a few days to a week.
Returning to Normal Activity
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Full recovery can take several months, with visible results becoming apparent as swelling subsides. You’ll resume normal activity gradually under Dr. Berardi’s guidance.
Am I a Candidate for
Breast Implant Removal?
Most women in good general health who wish to remove their breast implants are candidates for explant surgery. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
- Experience symptoms related to breast implant illness (BII), such as fatigue, joint pain, or cognitive issues
- Have confirmed implant complications like rupture, deflation, severe capsular contracture, or shifting
- Are dissatisfied with the size, shape, or position of your current implants
- Wish to return to your natural breast appearance and feel
- Are a non-smoker or willing to quit prior to surgery
A personalized consultation with Dr. Berardi is the first step to determine the right approach for your needs.
Benefits of Explant Surgery
There are many valid reasons women choose to remove their breast implants, and no single reason is more legitimate than another.
Physical Comfort and Wellness
Many women experience improved physical comfort, reduced heaviness, or a more natural feel after explant surgery. Others prefer a lower-maintenance lifestyle without implants.
Peace of Mind
For many women, the constant awareness of having foreign devices in their body can create underlying anxiety. Concerns about long-term health, silent ruptures, or the potential for future complications can be a significant mental burden. Explant surgery can provide profound psychological relief, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Simplified Long-Term Care
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing monitoring and eventual replacement. By choosing explant surgery, you eliminate the need for future revision surgeries, saving you the time, cost, and recovery associated with long-term implant maintenance.
Addressing Medical Concerns
Implants can sometimes lead to complications, including:
- Capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Implant shifting or general implant wear over time
- Breast implant illness (BII) symptoms
- Infection
All of these concerns can be addressed with explant surgery.
Understanding Explant Costs in Scottsdale, AZ
The cost of breast implant removal in Scottsdale typically ranges from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity of your procedure, whether a capsulectomy is performed, and any combined procedures such as a lift, fat transfer, or implant replacement.
Pricing varies based on individual anatomy and treatment plan, and an accurate quote can only be provided after an in-person assessment. To receive personalized pricing, request a consultation with Dr. Berardi.
Why Choose Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery?
Choosing the right surgeon for such a personal procedure matters. At Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, you’ll find a practice built on precision, compassion, and genuine understanding.
Expertise of Dr. Berardi
A highly respected plastic surgeon known for meticulous technique and extensive experience in complex breast surgeries, including implant removal and revision.
Personalized care
Every consultation is conducted personally by Dr. Joseph Berardi, ensuring your plan is tailored to your anatomy and goals.
A thoughtful, understanding approach
Dr. Berardi recognizes how personal this decision is and approaches each case with both surgical skill and genuine care.
Attentive recovery support
With weekly follow-up visits during recovery, you’re never left to navigate healing alone.
Recognized excellence
Dr. Berardi has been named a Phoenix Top Doctor for 26 consecutive years and has been featured on the TV show “The Doctors.”
Flexible financing
Three financing options are available, including CareCredit, Cherry, and PatientFi, often with 0% interest for up to 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get started with breast implant removal?
The first step is a consultation with Dr. Berardi to determine the appropriate treatment plan. To schedule, provide a convenient date and time, and a team member will contact you.
What is the consultation fee?
The consultation fee with Dr. Berardi is $200 and ensures a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
How long does the surgery take?
Duration varies with the complexity of the case, whether a capsulectomy is performed, and whether combined procedures are included – typically 1 to 3 hours.
Will I have scars after breast implant removal?
Some scarring is inevitable. Dr. Berardi places incisions strategically, often using existing augmentation scars, to minimize visibility. Scars typically fade over time.
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
BII refers to a range of systemic symptoms some patients report after receiving implants, including fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and hair loss. Many patients report significant improvement after implant removal.
Can I have a breast lift or implant replacement at the same time?
Yes. Explant surgery can be combined with a breast lift, fat transfer, or implant replacement. Dr. Berardi will discuss the most suitable approach during your consultation.
How soon can I return to exercise?
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4–6 weeks. Light activities can usually resume within a week or two, with personalized guidance from Dr. Berardi based on your progress.
Can I get an exact price over the phone?
An accurate quote can only be provided after an in-person assessment. However, general cost ranges can be discussed over a quick call at your convenience.
Schedule Your Evaluation
Ready to take the next step toward feeling like yourself again? Contact Berardi Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Berardi.
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expect during your journey.
